Welcome! If you have arrived at this site then you are most likely taking care of a loved one. This blog is monitored and updated by professional social workers who have experience in the field of geriatrics and have worked with older adults and seniors for many years.

At Family and Children’s Association (FCA), we know how difficult the role of a care giver can be. You love your parent, spouse, sibling, family member or friend but you are also undoubtedly feeling frustrated, exhausted, overwhelmed, conflicted, angry…  There are many emotions that you will experience on this journey.  This blog is designed to provide information and links to resources and services.  It is designed to be a place where you can learn valuable tips and connect with resources and services that will help.  You are not alone! FCA's Caregiver Support Blog will allow you to get support, encouragement and advice from other caregivers who understand your struggles;  it is a place where you can share ideas and find creative solutions that work.

The first thing you need to do is to give yourself credit and recognize that you are doing a good job.  You will have your ups and downs but you have stepped up to the plate and are doing the best job you can.  One of the great myths of care giving is that you must care for your loved one every second that you are not doing something else important (i.e. work, school, taking care of your kids…). You need to be realistic about the level of care you can provide.  You must balance your own needs with the needs of your loved one. Recognize when you need more help – ask for it and seek it out.  Another care giver myth is that if your loved ones health is declining it has to do with your care giving efforts.  It is not your fault. Being a good care giver does not necessarily mean your older adult will get better physically or mentally.  Your loved one is aging which is natural and it cannot be stopped.They will have their ups and downs (you may feel like you are on a roller coaster) but it is independent of the care you are providing.

    

10 Tips for Family Caregivers

1. Seek support from other caregivers.  You are not alone!
2. Take care of your own health so that you can be strong enough to take care of your loved one.
3. Accept offers of help and suggest specific things people can do to help you.
4. Learn how to communicate effectively with doctors.
5. Caregiving is hard work so take respite breaks often.
6. Watch out for signs of depression and don’t delay in getting professional help when you need it.
7. Be open to new technologies that can help you care for your loved one.
8. Organize medical information so it’s up to date and easy to find.
9. Make sure legal documents are in order.
10. Give yourself credit for doing the best you can in one of the toughest jobs there is!